New rules will make it a happy Mother’s Day, but we’re not in the clear yet
Queenslanders can enjoy a gradual easing of coronavirus restrictions ahead of Mother’s Day, but we’re not out of the virus crisis yet, so what can you do and what can’t you do?
Queenslanders are doing a “great job” flattening the curve, Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young says.
Progressively, restrictions on movements have been gradually relaxed but we are not out of the virus crisis just yet.
“If, all of a sudden, we end up with a lot of problems or a lot of cases, then we’d have to rethink,” Dr Young said.
It isn’t over yet
Rules are still in place because we’re still in a public health emergency.
“We won’t be where we were pre-COVID, that won’t happen for quite a while down the track, but we’ll gradually see things [progress] towards more normal business,” Dr Young said.
If you’re heading out for any of the allowed activities remember:
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“Maintain that 1.5-metre distance, one person per four square metres and wash your hands regularly,” she said.
What can I do?
With the above in mind, a few restrictions have been relaxed in the past few weeks:
- You can go shopping for non-essential goods
- Kindergarten, Prep, Years 1, 11 and 12 go back to school on Monday
- You can have a picnic with people from your house
- If you go out by yourself, you can only meet one other person from outside your house for a run or picnic. It can only be the two of you, not your family plus one other
- You can travel 50 kilometres from your home with members of your house
- You can visit any business that’s open — like getting your hair cut
- From Sunday, up to five people from a household can visit another household but hugging is still off the cards (sorry Mum)
What can’t I do?
Dining in at cafes, restaurants, pubs and clubs still isn’t allowed but discussions are underway.
Gyms and public playgrounds are all still closed.
Queensland’s borders also remain closed.
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If you travel outside the 50 kilometres radius, you must have an essential reason.
Weddings are still restricted to five people: celebrant, the couple and two witnesses.
And funerals can still only have 10 people, unless the Chief Health Officer grants an exemption.
It’s all about stopping the virus spreading.
The critical message
Stay. At. Home. If. You. Are. Sick.
Dr Young said that is crucial.
“I can’t stress that enough,” she said.
“Stay home if you’re unwell, and get yourself tested.
“If all 5 million Queenslanders commit to doing that, we will be able to steadily move towards a far more normal way of society operating.”
– ABC / Kerrin Binnie
